The purpose of this dissertation was to explore reasons for academics' apathy towards
formal professional development programmes at North-West University, Mafikeng Campus.
For this study, the research design used was essentially descriptive, employing both
qualitative and quantitative research techniques to gather and analyse data. Three
techniques, namely, questionnaire surveys, analysis of University documentary sources on
professional development, and literature review, were utilised to obtain information
pertinent to this study.
The researcher established from the literature that the possible reasons for apathy towards
professional development could be that people do not feel that their needs coincide with
the mission/purpose statement of their organisation; people have conflicting commitments
and, as a result, are often unable to expend the levels of time and energy called for by the
organisation; and that people believe that they do not play a significant role in the processes
that drive their organisation. The literature also highlighted the following major
impediments to professional development: low priority and lack of support; lack of reward
for or incentives to attend training sessions; existence of panels and committees in charge
of professional development, but inactive; lack of time; existing perceptions of staff training;
difficulties of timetabling; and lack of specific funding.
The questionnaire was structured around the following broad areas identified in the
purpose of the study; strategies and activities that may be used to conduct professional
development programmes in the University, rationale for participating in professional
development programmes, academic staff's perceptions of professional development
programmes, outcomes or effectiveness of professional development programmes, factors
that are likely to promote professional development initiatives, and factors that are likely to
impede professional development initiatives. The last question provided the respondents
with the opportunity for additional information that they deemed necessary for the study.
Despite all the perceived impediments to professional development, the respondents felt
positive that if things are done correctly, the future of professional development in Higher
Education Institutions is bright. However, there is an urgent need to take stock of the
effectiveness of the current professional development initiatives and the findings from this
study would serve as a basis for professional development initiatives in Higher Education
Institutions. To this end the University needs to institute periodic needs assessment for
professional development for both academics and the Institution as a whole. This will surely
go a long way towards achieving the overall objective of professional development, which is
the development of the individual and the Institution. / Thesis (MBA) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2012
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/15657 |
| Date | January 2012 |
| Creators | Makunye, atiase Matthews |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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